Very valuable information, keep writing and Ill just keep reading!

The tenant has since explicitly stated in writing that he refuses to be inconvenienced by answering the door to the Mail Carrier or to go to the Post Office and pick it up/sign for it.

This setup would allow you to bypass the custodian and have check-writing ability for your IRA. 

@Kameron Carson They won't be in a nice easy list unless you want to pay for one you can drive around find properties that look like they might be a bit run down, write down the address, when you get back home you can look up the owner, then you can either write them a letter or do some investigate work / pay for a skip trace service to find a phone number and call them. 

The online classes only teach you the law not how to write contracts or show property or any of the nuts and bolts - obviously its important to know what the law is but how that is put into action will come from doing real estate so you want a good company who works with new agents who can help you get started. 

Write them a recommendation letter with details of their past payments.

Tell the listing agent you are unrepresented and are thinking of writing an offer, but don't want to waste anyone's time, so please shoot me the seller's disclosures.

Most brokers have access to software like CoStar, ProspectNow, etc that can help you find property owners, do research, etc. 

@Mason Clark It's not clear if your offer is in writing or just verbally?

Account Closed the last several deals we have done have been working with a good broker who is not afraid to write offers on properties that are off market.